Changing the Odds

Changing the Odds is a practical guide to building a successful business from an initial idea, through the start-up phase and into a sustainable business. It is based on the author's many years of helping start-ups and is full of examples, case studies and a lot of ideas that will make you think, reflect and build a better business. The interest in starting a business has never been greater driven by many factors which have been building over recent years. The financial crisis that started in 2007 created instability in many industries, political instability in many parts of the world adds to uncertainty and the Covid pandemic has changed everyone's view of the future. One option is to take control of your own destiny and start a business or a social enterprise. This book is for anyone who is seriously thinking about this option as well as those who might be curious about what's involved. The book will also help those who have started a business and are seeking growth or just survival. There is also a section for intrapreneurs - those with entrepreneurial ideas who are working within an existing organisation. The book aims to give them confidence in what they're doing - by showing them what works and what doesn't in business. It helps them evaluate that the path they're currently on is right, or they need to change something. Included are ideas, knowledge, techniques and ways of looking at problems in an objective and critical way providing a whole toolkit for the entrepreneur. Richard Bostock has over 35 years' experience working with and helping entrepreneurs in their efforts to create successful and sustainable startups. He is well qualified given a wide range of experience as both a senior manager and consultant in organisations as diverse as multi-nationals, small medium enterprises (SMEs), public sector organisations, NGOs and social enterprises. He has helped restructure a range of organisations which has included both the management and corporate finance implications. Add to this extensive work on strategy development in organisations including training MBA students and senior executives in building effective strategies. All of this adds up to someone with an intense knowledge of how organisations develop, grow and prosper and the ability to explain complex issues in a sensible, practical and understandable way. Add in a high level of curiosity about everything and the impact is dynamic.